How to Buy a Rapier

If you feel a lure to the swashbuckling side of life, you may find that a rapier is exactly the thing to purchase in order to kick off your buccaneer days. A rapier is a pointed statement of intent; one that cannot be ignored. If you're in the market for a sword, however, there are a few key tips you must keep under your hat before deciding to make this purchase.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Consider what you want the rapier for. The sword is not an appropriate choice if you are interested in fencing and you should be aware of that limitation before proceeding.
2. Browse the internet for available rapier replicas. Because of the interest in historical reenactments, you'll find many online retailers who specialize in selling different kinds of swords for different purposes. Sword Academy is one such site offering a variety of rapiers for sale.
3. Study the uses and limitations of a rapier before you decide to buy it. The rapier is a sword designed for thrusting not slicing, and using it in such a fashion can quickly lead to damage and personal injury.
4. Be prepared to invest in a proper display case in order to make sure the sword does not become damaged. Because of its long, thin blade the rapier can easily snap and become useless.
5. Place the rapier in a safe place once you buy it. It is inappropriate to leave a sword within easy reaching distance of children's hands.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the rapier is a sword and a sword is a weapon not a toy. Treating a rapier with blatant disregard for safety is both foolhardy and irresponsible.